PS4 Error: [A DNS Server Cannot Be Used] Solved!

A DNS server lets you access IP addresses through domains. If there’s an issue with it, you may experience issues with the Internet connection on your PS4. This article will offer you quick and easy fixes for DNS server-related errors on PS4.

Reasons a DNS Server Cannot Be Used on PS4

The most common causes behind DNS server problems on any device are related to your internet connection or DNS settings:

There Are Issues With Your Internet Connection

You can often see a DNS error alert when your PS cannot connect to WiFi or the connection is unstable. So, before interfering with your DNS configurations, check whether you have access to the Internet, as this is the most common reason for a DNS server error.

It could be that your network provider is performing maintenance or another issue on their end. The problem could also be your router malfunctioning or the signal being too weak, for instance, if your router is located far from the PlayStation or there are many obstacles, such as walls and furniture.

Incorrect DNS Settings

However, sometimes the issue lies with DNS settings. It could be that the server you’re trying to use is no longer working on the automatic configuration failed due to some error. You will have to change the DNS settings manually, either for your router or PlayStation.

4 Easy Fixes for DNS Server Cannot Be Used on PS4

1. Reboot All Devices

If you’re experiencing issues with accessing a DNS server, the first thing to try is restarting the router, modem, console, network switches, and other devices you use. This will help resolve any glitches that might be causing a DNS server error.

Here’s how to restart a PlayStation 4 using a controller:

1. Press the PS button and hold it for a few seconds.
2. Choose Power.
3. Select Restart PS4.

And here’s how to properly restart your modem and router:

1. Unplug the modem and router and wait for no less than 30 seconds. This should be enough for the hardware to turn off entirely and lose connection with all other devices.
2. First, turn on the modem. Wait for at least a minute until it’s fully powered on.
3. Next, turn on the router and wait for a couple more minutes until both devices are ready to work.

2. Fix DNS Settings

If the issue is with the DNS server configurations, you will have to change them manually in order to solve the problem. Depending on what caused the error, you might have to work with DNS settings on your PS4 or the router.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with DNS server settings, this fix will be easy and quick. Basically, you need to specify a working DNS server to help your devices get a secure connection.

You can use either GoogleDNS or OpenDNS servers for this purpose. Both solutions are free and time-tested methods of fixing DNS server issues.

For OpenDNS, use 208.67.222.222 for Primary DNS and 208.67.220.220 for Secondary DNS.

The IPs for GoogleDNS are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, respectively.

Here’s how to fix the DNS configuration on your PlayStation 4:

1. Go to Settings and select Network Settings.
2. Choose Set Up Internet Connection.
3. Choose WiFi or LAN if you’re using Ethernet wired connection.
4. Find the IP Address Settings and set it to Automatic.
5. Switch DNS Settings to Manual.
6. Enter server codes for GoogleDNS or OpenDNS specified above.
7. Disable proxy.

With routers, things can be a little more tricky. As there is a great variety of these devices, the way you manually set DNS server settings is a little different for each of them. Some routers do not allow for manual configuration at all. You can find instructions for different types of routers here.

3. Check the Internet Connection

As I’ve mentioned, an unstable Internet connection is one of the most common reasons for DNS server errors. Test it on other devices to see if that’s causing the DNS server problem.

If the signal is poor, start rebooting your router and modem following the instructions I provided above. If the issue persists, there might be too many obstacles between your router and PS4, making the signal too weak. Try moving the router to the same room, as close to your console as possible.

If these fixes don’t help, contact your internet provider to check if they are currently running maintenance or if there’s any other issue that causes your WiFi to be down. They might be able to reboot it on their end, which typically helps improve the signal.

It could also be that there’s some issue with your router. Here you can find out the most common reasons for the router malfunctioning. In that case, you will need to schedule an appointment with the company’s specialist to fix the issue. If you are experiencing troubles with the WiFi connection, try using Ethernet wiring instead.

4. Reset Your PlayStation 4

Finally, if none of the fixes seem to help resolve the issue, you’ll have to reset your PlayStation 4 to default settings. Your data will not be deleted; however, all configurations will return to factory defaults. This trick is a reliable way to deal with DNS server errors and other glitches.

Here’s how to reset your PS4:

1. Unplug and power off your PlayStation.
2. Remove any hardware and devices connected to your console.
3. Wait at least four minutes before plugging the console back in.
4. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to power the PS4 in Safe Mode.
5. Connect a controller and use it to choose the Restore Default Settings option.

While this method usually helps out, sometimes the issue persists. Try configuring DNS manually and if that doesn’t do it, go for a full PS4 reset. It will remove all console data and give it a fresh start.

Here’s how to factory reset your PS4:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Initialization.
3. Choose Initialize PS4, then select Full for a complete reset.

If you want to keep your data, make sure to back it up before performing a factory reset. If you own a PlayStation Plus, you’ll be able to upload all the stored files to a cloud and download them back after the reset.

However, you can also use an external hard drive for data backup. Here’s how:

1. Get an external device with twice as much storage as your PS4 and format it to FAT32 or exFAT.
2. Connect the hard drive to your PlayStation.
3. On PS4, go to Settings.
4. Choose System and select Back Up and Restore.
5. Choose Back Up and select all data you want to keep.
6. Once the process is finished, choose Back Up and hit Enter.

These simple steps will allow you to keep all game progress and other important data after the factory reset, except for trophies. To back up those, go to Trophies and select Options, then choose Sync Trophies with the PlayStation Network.

PlayStation Support

If you can’t fix the issue on your own, don’t hesitate to contact PlayStation support. The fastest way to reach the support center is to call their international number: 1-800-345-7669. They are available every day from 8 AM to 8 PM PST. Alternatively, Playstation has a chatbot you can also message for help.

Conclusion

If you get a DNS server cannot be used error on your PS4, most likely there are some issues with your Internet connection. Check if it’s stable on other devices, and contact your provider if the connection is poor.

It could also be that something went wrong with automatic DNS configurations, in which case you should manually change them to an OpenDNS or GoogleDNS server. The glitch can sometimes be fixed by rebooting all devices or resetting your PlayStation.